Have you ever heard the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”?

Kids sometimes use the rhyming words as a comeback against insults. But the rhyme couldn’t be further from the truth.

Words do impact our thoughts and actions. That’s why 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to “encourage one another and build one another up.”

When was the last time you wrapped an arm around your son and told him how proud you were of him? Or when did you last compliment him on a skill, talent, or accomplishment?

We all need encouragement in life. Set the example by using genuine words to build up your son. Those words may impact him more than you’ll ever know.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you have a junk drawer at home? You know, a drawer where you keep odds and ends like buttons, batteries, and blue highlighters.

Even though small knick-knacks can seem like junk, those tiny objects suddenly become super important when you need them.

The same is true in life. At some point, your son may fail a test at school or miss a crucial pass at a football game. That’s when something as small as an encouraging word or a comforting hug becomes a big deal. Those small actions take just a few seconds, but their effect may last for days or even weeks.

So remember, even though an object or action may seem small, it can still hold super-sized value.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

When was the last time you looked up at the moon? It’s usually there in the night sky, but we don’t always pay attention to it.

And yet, the waxing and waning of moon phases is an important reminder that time is continually passing.

It’s one thing to ignore the moon, but whatever you do, don’t ignore your son. No matter how busy life becomes, remember to appreciate phases of growth in your son. Whether he’s an infant, toddler, preschooler, or teenager, enjoy each season of development. By intentionally investing your time and talents into your son, you’ll discover the joy of parenthood.

For a little extra help along that parenting journey, Trail Life USA has fun activities that are helping boys grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Learn about their nation-wide programs at Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Okay, let’s get serious for a moment. The fact is … belly buttons look kind of funny! Some stick out like a small marble. Others curve inward like a deep cave. Some are smooth—others super wrinkly.

No matter what your belly button looks like, it’s a reminder of how your mother nourished you through an umbilical cord while inside the womb.

As a dad, you weren’t joined to your son through an umbilical cord, but you still play a vital role in nurturing him physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

So how are you doing with this God-given responsibility? Are you helping your son grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus?

Becoming a godly man doesn’t happen by accident. It takes consistent training. Trail Life USA has a Proven Process that is helping boys grow spiritually. Learn more at RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you remember learning to ride a bike? For kids, it’s a BIG deal. But learning to ride a bike takes time—maybe even a few falls and scraped knees.

Perhaps you remember holding onto your son’s bike as he pedaled down the sidewalk. But little by little, you carefully released your grip. At first, just for a second. Then, as your son developed confidence, you let go entirely.

At that point, your son’s smile probably stretched from ear to ear. He’ll never forget that victorious moment—or the fact that you were there beside him, helping him along the way.

Regardless of what stage of life your son is in, learn to carefully release your grip so that your son can ride confidently into the future.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Imagine this.

At a garage sale, you wipe the dust off an old genie lamp. Smoke pours out, then poof! A genie stands in front of you. He says, “You freed me from the bottle—I grant you one wish.”

You’re thrilled, but what will you ask for? A work promotion? A sports car? Tickets to the Superbowl?

In 1 Kings chapter 3, King Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom and discernment. And God granted his desire.

As a parent, make sure you also prioritize wisdom. You can do this by taking a few minutes each day to read a chapter of Proverbs with your son. Not only will you grow together in wisdom, but your son will see that the true source of all knowledge comes from God alone.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Did you ever make a mud pie?

Maybe your son has. That’s where you mix water and dirt into a thick, gooey mixture. Then after slapping the mud into a hamburger-sized patty you decorate it with twigs and pebbles.

Boys still like getting dirty in the backyard. But at some point, it’s time to clean up.

As a parent, teach your son that there’s a time to be messy and dirty, but also a time to wash up and clean up. Be intentional in helping your son know how to bathe, brush his teeth, and comb his hair. Don’t just pick up his toys and dirty clothes, teach him to clean up after himself.

Through consistent instruction, you prepare your son to face daily activities with a clean slate and a clear conscience.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you have unreasonable expectations?

As a parent, you love your son and want him to succeed at everything he does. You want him to earn the highest grades in class, score the most points at the game, and have the greatest artistic talent.

But unreasonable expectations can cause frustration—for both you and your son.

Even though it’s fine to motivate your son to achieve success, be careful that your high expectations don’t cause him to become discouraged, angry, and resentful. Ask the Lord to guide you in knowing how to motivate your son. Then, as long as your son is trying his best, be satisfied with the results.

For help and encouragement along the parenting journey, check out Trail Life USA. We have fun and exciting programs that are helping boys grow into godly men. For more information, visit RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

If you’re a mom or dad, you’ve probably lost your patience a time or two—or, more likely, dozens of times. That’s because training kids to get along with their siblings and behave appropriately takes lots of time and attention. It’s easy to grow frustrated at having to provide correction for the billionth time.

Even though frustration is a natural human emotion, losing your temper is never right. If, in a moment of anger, you did something or said something that wasn’t God-honoring . . . apologize. Saying sorry is incredibly hard, but your example will teach your son an important lesson about humility and forgiveness.

And get this: When you apologize, your son will actually grow in his love and respect for you.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Do you ever use the smiley emoji while texting?

That emoji helped launch World Smile Day, which is celebrated the first Friday in October. On that day, people are encouraged to smile at people around them.

Fortunately, you don’t need an official holiday to smile. It’s something you can do every day. Of course, life doesn’t always run smoothly. Health issues, work conflicts, and financial concerns may catch you off guard. Or perhaps your son discourages a smile from you because he doesn’t like the rules you’ve set in place for his own good.

Despite life’s challenges, a simple smile can keep matters in proper perspective. Not only will a smile help lower your stress level, but it’ll also show your son that God’s grace provides lasting peace. And that’s certainly something you can smile about.

For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.